Hays County Emergency Preparedness Fair Celebrates Community Heroes

    Kim hilsenbeck • Aug 03, 2023

    This year’s Hays County Emergency Preparedness Fair is all about celebrating community heroes by helping Hays County residents prepare for any emergency through knowledge, education and learning new skills. Just in the last several years, Hays County experienced devastating flooding, two winter freezes and multiple wildfires.


    Office of Emergency Services (OES) Director Mike Jones said preparation is the key.

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    “It’s all about being more resilient and ready for whatever comes our way,” he said. “When disaster strikes, we want our community residents to be their own heroes by being prepared.”


    He added that his department felt strongly enough about the event’s goal that it used the phrase as the tagline: ‘When disaster strikes, be your own hero.’

    What does that really mean?

    “It’s a willingness to take care of yourself, your family and your neighbors when there is an emergency or natural disaster that hits Hays County,” he said. “With the right training and preparation, anyone can be their own hero.”


    Michelle Villegas, the county’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, explained the idea of being prepared.


    “It means having supplies on hand, knowing what to do, and providing help to those in need,” she said. “During certain emergencies, first responders may not be able to get to you or your neighborhood right away. But if you have the knowledge and supplies, you can begin the process of helping people.”


    She said emergencies may come in the form of severe weather as well as disasters including chemical or hazardous materials spills.

    “Whether you need to shelter in place, evacuate or anything in between, knowing how to react, how to remain calm and how best to help can mean the difference between life and death,” she said.


    Villegas, a former Air Force nurse, said the family-friendly event, which takes place at the Performing Arts Center in Kyle, offers useful, relevant information along with vendors, food trucks, and live performances by local school bands. As a special treat this year, Villegas said the U.S. Air Force Band will be at the fair and play a variety of patriotic and other tunes.


    The event also includes a raffle and silent auction; proceeds benefit BR3T and the Hays County Fire Chief’s Association, respectively.

    She said this year’s event also features the TOP DAWG Chili Cook-off for fire, law enforcement and EMS teams that will take place at the city of Kyle’s Heroes Memorial Park next to the PAC.


    “Our local first responders will compete in a chili cooking contest and a panel of judges will determine the winning chili,” she said. “Event attendees can purchase tickets and then have a taste of each contestant’s entry. We will then also have a ‘People’s Choice’ award.”

    Villegas said she is looking forward to the cook-off and hopes the community will come out to support it.

    “Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Hays County Fire Chief’s Association,” she said.


    As in years past, fair attendees can see helpful emergency preparedness demonstrations, learn how to make a preparedness kit (aka “Go Bag”) and hear from experts about how to be ready to face most any emergency, such as floods, freezes, tornados, hurricanes, and fires.

    This year’s fair features a variety of first responders and their apparatus from around Hays County and the chance to see helicopters take off and land. Attendees can also learn about the county’s emergency alert system (WarnCentralTexas.Org), talk to first responders, and find out more about the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).


    Villegas said there will be children’s activities and games. The Hays High and Lehman High Color Guards will be part of the opening ceremonies and Dep. Constable Ali Flores, Pct. 5, will sing The Star-Spangled Banner.

    Vendors and demonstrators will offer the following:

    • What documents to take in case of an evacuation
    • How to best care for your pets during an emergency
    • Insurance coverage and financial issues after a crisis
    • How to identify edible plants and flowers
    • Building a “go bag” if you need to evacuate your home


    For more information about the Hays County Emergency Preparedness Fair, visit https://haysinformed.com. The event takes place on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center in Kyle. The TOP DAWG Chili Cook-off takes place from noon-3 p.m. at Heroes Memorial Park.

    Community support through sponsorships are welcome. Interested in hosting a booth or donating a silent auction item? Contact Michelle Villegas at Michelle.Villegas@co.hays.tx.us. 

    Dacy Lane Traffic Control Update

    By Ysabella Agular • 12 Feb, 2024
    Hays County’s Contractor, Jordan Foster continues to make progress on the project. The section of Dacy Lane from Hillside Terrace to Windy Hill Road and the New Lois Lane connection to Ralph Pfluger Elementary School have been paved and are open to traffic. The sections currently have temporary pavement markers. The Contractor is scheduled to complete paved driveways in this section of Dacy Lane and the permanent striping in late August. The driveway paving and striping may cause minor delays. We ask that you exercise additional caution in the 3-lane section while construction work is completed. Dacy Lane will remain closed to through-traffic from Windy Hill Road to Amberwood Loop. Traffic should continue to follow the detour route that is currently in place. Access to all driveways and side streets will be maintained at all times. This section is to be completed late this Fall 2023. (See map). ๏ปฟ Dacy Lane from Amberwood Loop to Bebee Road is open to the public.

    Officers involved in September shooting in Buda cleared by Hays County Grand Jury

    09 Feb, 2024
    SAN MARCOS, Texas – Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced that a Hays County Grand Jury has reviewed the officer-involved shooting that occurred in Buda in September 2023, and determined that the officers were justified in their actions. On Tuesday, September 5, 2023, a Buda police officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle at approximately 4:00 a.m. on the northbound frontage road of I-35. During that interaction, the driver, later identified at Lee Elsbury, exited his vehicle with a firearm and the Buda police officer fired at him. The driver fled on foot and additional officers responded to the area to assist in searching for him. During the search, Elsbury discharged a weapon and multiple officers returned fire. Elsbury was struck by gunfire on the side of the frontage road but survived. He has been charged with multiple felonies and those cases are pending. Two Buda police officers and three Hays County Sheriff’s deputies fired weapons during the pursuit. The Texas Rangers were called in to assist with the investigation. This morning, the grand jury was presented with the results of that investigation and found that their actions were justified under Texas law.

    Hays County Commissioners Court approves creation of new Behavioral Health Program

    By natalie frels • 09 Feb, 2024
    SAN MARCOS, Texas — The Hays County Commissioners Court recently approved the creation of a behavioral health coordinator position within the Hays County Health Department. The is the first position created by the county to address mental health and substance abuse outside of the criminal justice system. “The Behavioral Health Coordinator will form the behavioral health program for Hays County,” said Matthew Gonzales, Health Department manager. “This position will address mental health disparities that can exist in the places where we live, work, learn and play. It will develop a roadmap for how the county address mental health in the future.” The position was created as a result of multiple efforts aligning. The Hays County Behavioral Advisory Team (BAT), which Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe and Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith serve on, set a priority to create a program or office within the county that would be responsible for identifying and coordinating mental health resources available in the county. During the 2023 budget cycle, Precinct 2 Commissioner Dr. Michelle Cohen and Precinct 3 Commissioner Lon Shell expressed interest in the development of a county position that would address mental health. The end of the budget process kicked off work toward finding the funding that would create and define this position. “Our county has seen disparities in mental health and substance use for quite a while,” said Cohen. “I trust the work the department has begun and will continue to do toward addressing mental health.” The Hays County Commissioners Court believed that this position would fit best in the health department. The department was established to address the health needs of the county and mental health is just one component of an individual’s overall health and wellbeing. “The growth of our department has been tremendous,” said Tammy Crumley, Health Department director. “We are grateful for the support of the court, which allows our services to expand to better serve our Hays County residents.” Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra added, “In recognizing the critical need for mental health and substance abuse services, we are committed to nurturing a community where compassion leads the way to healing and support. This new behavioral health coordinator position signifies our dedication to not just addressing, but understanding and empathizing with the struggles faced by our residents. We are not just creating a program; we are fostering a promise to our community that no one has to face their challenges alone.” The Hays County Health Department provides many services to the community, including immunizations, tuberculosis treatment, disease tracking and more. The Health Department clinic is open 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Wednesday hours are 8 to 10 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. The clinic is open on Friday from 8 a.m. to noon. For more information on the Hays County Health Department, visit hayscountytx.com/departments/local-health-department/.

    Aviso de reunion de divulgacion publica

    By Kim hilsenbeck • 19 Jan, 2024
    El Condado de Hays, junto con las ciudades de Dripping Springs, Wimberly, Kyle, Buda, Mountain City, Niederwald, Woodcreek, Hays, y el pueblo de Bearcreek ofreceran reunions de puertas abiertas para solicitor la opinion del publico sobre la actualizavion del plan de mitigacion de riesgos. No se necesitan reservas para asistir. La primera reunion se llevara a cabo en Kyle en el Ayuntamiento el Miercoles 24 de Enero de 2024 de 6 p.m. a 8 p.m., la direccion es 100 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640. La Segunda reunion se llevara a cabo en Dripping Springs en el Ayuntamiento el Jueves 25 de Enero de 2024 de 6 p.m. a 8 p.m., la direccion es 511 Mercer St., Dripping Springs, TX 78620. El plan de mitigacion de riesgos es un documento integral para que las comunidades participen en una planificacion efectiva que pueda reducir los riesgos a largo plazo para la vida y la propiedad de los peligros naturales, como inundaciones, sequias, huracanes, tornados, tormentas de invierno, e incedios forestales. El Plan actualizado del Condado de Hays ha estado en desarrollo durante aproximadamente un año y la participacion del publico debe tener lugar en este momento para completer el plan. Una vez que se complete el plan de 2024, sera revisado por el Departamento de Gestion de Emergencias de Texas y luego por FEMA, una vez que se de la aprobacion de FEMA, el plan sera aceptado por resolucion en cada jurisdiccion participante y seran elegibles para solicitor la financiacion la subvencion de mitigacion de riesgos de FEMA. Para obtener mas informacion, pongase en contacto con: Natalie Frels, El Gerente de Comunicaciones del Condado de Hays, Natalie.frels@co.hays.tx.us.

    Barrerra sentenced to 60 years for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl

    19 Jan, 2024
    SAN MARCOS, Texas – Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today, Jan. 19, that Tony Robert Barrera III, 44, was found guilty by a Hays County jury on Jan. 18 of possession of a controlled substance (fentanyl) with intent to deliver, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The jury sentenced Barrera, a habitual offender, to 60 years imprisonment for the fentanyl charge and 50 years imprisonment for the possession of the firearms charge. The case was investigated by detectives with the San Marcos Police Department, with the assistance of officers with the Buda Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Christopher Griffith and Elizabeth Schmidt. Following the verdict, ADA Griffith said, “We appreciate the hard work and diligence of the jury, as well as the dedicated efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved in this case. Hopefully the verdict in this case resonates with anyone dealing narcotics, especially fentanyl, in Hays County and makes them reconsider their actions.” Higgins added, “When I came to office, I promised serious consequences in fentanyl cases. It seems that Hays County juries agree that fentanyl will not be tolerated in our county. I commend the work of SMPD and Buda PD in making our community that much safer.

    Public Outreach Meeting Notice: Hays County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan

    By Kim hilsenbeck • 16 Jan, 2024
    Hays County, along with the Cities of Dripping Springs, Wimberly, Kyle, Buda, Mountain City, Niederwald, Woodcreek, Hays and the Village of Bear Creek, will be offering two open house meetings to solicit public input on the updated Hazard Mitigation Plan. No reservations are needed to attend. The first meeting will be held in Kyle at City Hall on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, from 6 pm to 8 pm. The address is 100 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640. The second meeting will be held in Dripping Springs at City Hall on Thursday, January 25, 2024, from 6 pm to 8 pm. The address is 511 Mercer St., Dripping Springs, TX 78620. The Hazard Mitigation Plan is a comprehensive document for communities to engage in effective planning that can reduce long-term risks to life and property from natural hazards, such as floods, droughts, hurricanes, tornados, winter storms, and wildfires. The Hays County updated plan has been in development for approximately one year, and public input must take place at this time to complete the plan. Once the 2024 plan is complete, it will be reviewed by the Texas Department of Emergency Management and then by FEMA. Once FEMA approval is given, the plan will be accepted by resolution in each participating jurisdiction, and they will be eligible to apply for FEMA hazard mitigation grant funding. For more information, contact: Natalie Frels, Hays County Communications Manager, Natalie.frels@co.hays.tx.us .

    Mettz Sentenced to life in prison for capital murder of Officer Kenneth Copeland

    By Ysabella Agular • 12 Jan, 2024
    SAN MARCOS, Texas — Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced that Stewart Thomas Mettz was found guilty today, Jan. 11 of capital murder by a Hays County jury. Following the guilty verdict, Mettz was sentenced by Judge Bruce Boyer of the 22nd District Court to life in prison with no possibility of parole. The 57-year-old was convicted of killing San Marcos Police Officer Kenneth Copeland on Dec. 4, 2017, while Officer Copeland was attempting to execute an arrest warrant. Copeland, in uniform, knocked on the door of a home occupied by Mettz. Mettz opened the door and fired multiple shots and Officer Copeland was killed as a result. Officer Kenneth Copeland was 58 years old when he died. He was a military veteran and the father of four boys. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Allison Buess and Katie Arnold. Following the verdict, Buess said, “Katie and I are so grateful for the faith and trust Ken’s family and friends placed in us to prosecute this case and speak on behalf of Ken. It was an honor to be part of the team that was able to get justice for Ken.” Higgins added, “We want to thank the jury and the court for the hard work of bringing this case to a just resolution. We also want to commend the San Marcos Police Department and the other local law enforcement agencies for their dedication, professionalism and patience in bringing Ken Copeland’s murderer to justice. We are very grateful for the county’s constables, whose work ensured that a jury was available for this trial. Lastly, I want to recognize the professionalism and hard work of Allison Buess and Katie Arnold and the staff of our office for presenting the case on behalf of the county, the state and all the people affected by the loss of Ken Copeland, a beloved and admired officer.”

    Kyle Man Sentenced To 52 Years For Sexually Assaulting Young Child

    By Ysabella Agular • 09 Jan, 2024
    SAN MARCOS – A Kyle man has been sentenced to a total of 52 years in prison for sexually assaulting his girlfriend’s young daughter. Jacob Earl Shirejian, 44, was sentenced Monday, Jan. 8 on two first-degree felony counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and two second-degree felony counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact. The evidence at trial showed that the victim in the case was as young as 6 or 7 years old when the assaults began. The victim kept the abuse a secret until she was a teenager. Charges were filed after she told an adult about the assaults. Shirejian was found guilty on all four counts by a Hays County jury on November 7, 2023. The Defendant elected to have the court assess punishment and the case was reset for sentencing. On Monday, District Judge Tanner Neidhardt sentenced Shirejian to two consecutive sentences of eight years on the indecency counts and two consecutive sentences of 18 years on the aggravated sexual assault counts. Because the sentences are consecutive, or “stacked,” Shirejian must serve each sentence before the next sentence will begin. The case was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Jon English and Sean Szlachtowski. “There is nothing more evil or more reprehensible than those who prey on children,” said Kelly Higgins, criminal district attorney for Hays County. “My office will continue to prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law. We will continue to defend those who can’t defend themselves”

    Hays County hand-delivers jury summonses

    By Natalie Frels • 04 Jan, 2024
    Jury summonses are currently being hand-delivered following an error by a Hays County vendor that has affected more than 6,000 jury notices throughout multiple county offices, according to Hays County District Clerk Avrey Anderson Sr. Jury summonses have been printed and distributed to county constables, who will hand-deliver the documents to prospective jurors for the upcoming January 8 trial setting. “It’s an unfortunate situation due to the important nature of the cases that are currently on the dockets,” Anderson Sr. said. “As a result, the constables hand-delivered the documents to multiple residences.” The District Clerk added his appreciation for the patience of Hays County residents during this time, as the County works with the vendor to resolve the issue, which is ongoing. “We would like to extend our gratitude to the citizens of Hays County for their patience and their service in this essential judicial process,” said Anderson Sr. “If this issue is not resolved by the end of the week, we will continue to seek alternative methods of serving the jury summons of Hays County.” If you have received a notice on your door or mailbox, please be advised that it is an official summons from the Hays County District Clerk.

    Public Hearing Notice: Studio Estates

    By Kim hilsenbeck • 19 Dec, 2023
    By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on Jauary 2nd, 2024 at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will discusess the following item in open court: Studio Estates, Section 2B, Blk C, Lot 11, Replat
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